What are Dental Implants?Chicago, IL

Tooth loss is a serious issue, affecting several important functions of your mouth. Everyday activities that you could once do without thinking about them (such as eating and speaking) suddenly become challenges. Moreover, they only get worse the more teeth you lose. Traditionally, the answer to tooth loss has been either a bridge or dentures, depending on your specific situation. At Cameo Dental Specialists, we offer you an alternative—dental implants.

What Happens When You Lose Teeth?

Tooth loss can occur as the result of several different reasons—gum disease, bruxism, trauma, age. Moreover, when it does occur, several things start to happen. Depending upon the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), your smile is affected. Biting and chewing your food becomes difficult, and can even go so far as to affect your overall nutrition. Speaking becomes more difficult, and others may have a harder time understanding you. Under your gums, your jawbone begins to weaken, and change shape. This occurrence compromises the other teeth in your mouth, and it causes your face to age. Dental implants can help.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the latest option for tooth replacement. They have surpassed traditional methods of replacement—bridges, partial dentures, full dentures—in popularity, and are preferred by both patients and dentists alike. Unlike traditional replacement methods, implants require surgery, but the benefits provided far outweigh the procedure.

Implants consist of three major parts. The implant is a titanium rod that is inserted into your jawbone. It relies on osseointegration or the fusion of your jawbone to the rods. This fusion turns the rod into a stable support, almost like a “root” for your replacement tooth. The abutment is the connector piece and is placed on top of the implant. It connects the titanium rod and the final component of your implants, the crown.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to replace any number of missing teeth. For this reason, there are several types of implants:

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Single tooth implants. These implants are designed to replace a single missing tooth.

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Multiple tooth implants. Multiple tooth implants take the place of traditionally fixed bridges and partial dentures, replacing several missing teeth in one area. The number of implants required to support your implant supported bridge depends on several factors, including the condition of your jawbone and the number of missing teeth.

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Implant supported dentures. When you are missing all of your teeth (whether in one arch or both), 6 to 8 implants can be placed in your jaw to support an implant supported denture, taking the place of a full denture.

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All-on-4&reg Treatment Concept. Implants require sufficient bone mass for successful osseointegration. All-on-4&reg Treatment Concept implants are designed for those who have lost bone mass, and would typically be ineligible for implants. An implant supported denture is supported by four strategically placed implants.

Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants come with numerous benefits:

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Permanent. They do not need to be removed like dentures.

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Easy to care for. They can be brushed and flossed like your natural teeth.

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Comfortable. Your replacement teeth are supported by implants rather than your gums.

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Stable. They will not slide out of place, avoiding denture sores.

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Your adjacent teeth remain intact (they do not need to be prepared as they would be for a bridge).

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You are provided with a natural, beautiful smile.

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The integrity of your jawbone remains intact. You do not have to worry about bone loss and your face changing shape.

Replacing missing teeth is essential, not just for your smile, but for the functions of your mouth as well. Contact Cameo Dental Specialists today at (708) 456-7787 to find out if dental implants are right for you.

Call Cameo Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in La Grange, River Forest, Berwyn and West Loop serving the Pilsen, Hinsdale, Westchester, Western Springs, Elmhurst, The Loop, South Loop, West Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, River North, Humboldt Park, Wrigleyville, Little Village, Cicero and other Chicago communities.

The Cameo doctors who lead our experienced and highly trained staff provide exceptional care in a friendly and comfortable environment.Call Cameo Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Chicago, Berwyn, River Forest and La Grange, IL.